The girl continues to pull her forward until they are standing just before the archway. The petals continue to fall, but Elysia can’t see through to the other side anymore. It’s a like a blank spot in her vision.

“I won’t go,” Elysia challenges with as much strength as she can mange.

The little girl begins to grow again, her body lengthening and expanding into the creature from before. It’s hand tightens around Elysia’s, long white fingernails digging into her skin painfully.